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\u201cSometimes, you\u2019re in the right place at the right time. It took about one week for the dorm to become brothers,\u201d he remarked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He and his team emerged as the \u201cbest of the best flight\u201d during training. They also scored the highest on the end-of-course test, averaging 94, winning academic excellence. These impressive accomplishments were undoubtedly the result of the strong bond they forged and their determination to be the best they could be during their training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his time away, letters from home were his lifelines. Each one was a familiar voice encouraging him along across the miles. Though he missed his wife dearly, her steadfast love and support and their strong family network kept him going. Their support system was even more helpful when a tree fell on their home shortly after he left for BMT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou never can feel more powerless as a man when your wife and home need your help, and you\u2019re not there,\u201d he began. \u201cThankfully, mine and my wife\u2019s family got everything taken care of, and I\u2019m eternally grateful for that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Montoya discovered a new aspect of his identity during technical training after BMT. He assisted fellow guard members and reservists by translating the complicated regulations of the Air Force in a friendly manner. Rather than simply giving orders, he embraced the philosophy of being a servant leader, which is now a fundamental part of his character. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graduating at the top of his electrician class solidified his dedication to excellence. Every day was a race to understand electrical work at its finest alongside a group of intelligent classmates he now considers friends. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He draws strength from his loving wife and supportive family as he continues his service. They understand the sacrifices inherent to military life, and their ongoing support strengthens their bond with each deployment and training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy wife has dealt with my being gone with patience and grace. The key to overcoming the distance is communication through phone, letters, and smoke signals, and taking every opportunity to see her in person.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
May Montoya\u2019s story honor all those who serve, sacrifice, and protect this great nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m proud to be a part of history and part of something bigger than myself for the state I love,\u201d he said. \u201cI want my family, friends, and my future children to know what it\u2019s like to live in a nation where independence is king. I intend to serve as long as I can and make a difference, even if no one ever knows what I have done.\u201d GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Mathias Montoya watched, wide-eyed, as his parents tucked their crisp uniforms into their starched pants. The morning light glinted off their polished boots, symbolizing the years they\u2019d dedicated to serving their country in the Navy\u2019s Medical Corps. A sense of awe filled the room, and a tiny seed of inspiration took root within Montoya. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":22313,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n